National News – Page 247 – Windhoek Observer

15 Sep

New banking laws will empower finance minister to regulate banking charges

ObserverNational NewsNew banking laws will empower finance minister to regulate banking charges

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) is on the verge of introducing the Banking Institutions Act of 2023 (Act 13 of 2023), and the Payment System Management Act of 2023 (Act no. 14 of 2023), which will empower the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises to make regulations relating to fees and charges imposed by banking institutions on their clients. While announcing this yesterday, BoN Acting Director for Strategic Communications and International Relations, Sandra Garises, said service charges by banking institutions on their clients have been receiving the public and the legislature’s attention, which prompted the government to draft…

15 Sep

The President is on his way to the UNGA

ObserverNational NewsThe President is on his way to the UNGA

Niël Terblanché As the leader of one of the countries with the most advanced social protection systems in Africa, President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia is poised to play a pivotal role in global discussions at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). President Geingob’s presence is not only significant within the main assembly but also extends to important events on the sidelines, making him a central figure in discussions on sustainable development, social protection, climate action, and international cooperation. President Geingob will take the stage at the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection…

15 Sep

Namibia embraces new development in the fight against cervical cancer

ObserverNational NewsNamibia embraces new development in the fight against cervical cancer

Niël Terblanché In a significant move towards improving public health, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia recently convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The meeting, which brought together key participants, stakeholders, and development partners, aimed to set the stage for the rollout of the vaccination program. A Crucial Intervention The Acting Executive Director of the MoHSS, Taimi Amaambo said during the meeting that the introduction of the HPV vaccine program in Namibia comes at a time when there is overwhelming support at all levels. “Cervical cancer ranks…

15 Sep

Simataa dives deep while evaluating the state of the Public Service

ObserverNational NewsSimataa dives deep while evaluating the state of the Public Service

Niël Terblanché George Simataa, the Secretary to the Cabinet, delivered an insightful address at the Engagement Meeting of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) with Chief Regional Officers in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. The topic of his speech was “Is the Public Service Fit for Purpose? The Collaborative Nature of Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (OMAs) in Service Delivery.” Simataa answered “yes” to the question of whether the public service is fit for purpose but delved deeper into the complexities of this assertion. Public Service as the Implementing Arm of the Government Simataa emphasized the critical role that the public service…

15 Sep

PDM calls for increased support of local musicians

ObserverNational NewsPDM calls for increased support of local musicians

Stefanus Nashama A Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Jan van Wyk, has this week tabled a motion calling for more support of Namibian musicians and the development of infrastructure and resources for the Namibian Music Industry. “The Namibian music industry remains under-developed with no major record labels or distribution infrastructure,” Van Wyk noted. According to him, Namibia is blessed with an abundance of entertainers from every art form imaginable, including music but the government seems not to be committed to supporting the local music industry. He is of the view that Namibian Music can still contribute to the country’s…

15 Sep

Goreangab residents get improved network connection and free WiFi

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama After years of poor network connectivity, the residents of the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek this week received network towers from PowerCom that will improve their network connectivity and even free WiFi. Constituency Councilor, Nestor Kalola, yesterday said the tower has brought much relief to residents who have been struggling with network connection over the years, and the free WiFi made it even much better for tertiary students who will use it for their academic work. He said ever since assuming council duty in 2020, his office has been overwhelmed by residents requesting for improved network connection in…

14 Sep

Menzies finally hands over airport cargo

ObserverNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Menzies Aviation Namibia has finally agreed to open and hand over its former warehouse cargo at the Hosea Kutako International Airport to the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) and Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRa). NAC Chief Executive Officer Bisey /Uirab, confirmed yesterday that the United Kingdom-based company representatives went to the airport yesterday morning to begin the handing-over process. “They have opened. They came to the airport this morning and I can confirm to you that the handover process is currently ongoing,” said /Uirab. This came after Menzies was evicted from the airport last month following a court order when…

14 Sep

The success of Census 2023 depends on citizens’ participation: Geingob

ObserverNational Newse success of Census 2023 depends on citizens’ participation: Geingob, Population and Housing Census 2023

Martin Endjala President Hage Geingob says the success of the upcoming Population and Housing Census 2023 will depend on the participation and cooperation of Namibian citizens which will not only determine its successful conclusion but subsequent planning and policy successes. “Census is not just a government initiative but a national endeavour in which every citizen has a crucial role to play. When citizens actively participate by providing accurate information, it ensures the reliability of Census data”. Geingob said this yesterday during the launch of the 2023 Population and Housing Census at State House. Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on Tuesday announced…

14 Sep

Debate rages over environmental impact and economic benefits amid uranium exploration

ObserverNational NewsDebate rages over environmental impact andeconomic benefits amid uranium exploration

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a positive development for Namibia’s natural resources sector, the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Natural Resources and Economic and Public Administration embarked on a fact-finding mission in the Leonardville area of the Omaheke Region last week. The focal point of their visit was the uranium exploration operations of Uranium One Group, a Russian mining company with plans to extract uranium in Namibia. The visit came in response to an invitation from Uranium One to demonstrate the safety and adherence to regulations of their extraction methods in the area. Despite investing approximately N$850 million in the exploration process, the…

14 Sep

More than N$9 million worth of drugs seized, 136 suspected arrested

ObserverNational NewsKauna Shikwambi, The Namibian Police Force have this week arrested a 34-year-old man in possession of drugs worth almost N$6 million.

Stefanus Nashama The Namibian Police Force have this week arrested a 34-year-old man in possession of drugs worth almost N$6 million. According to NamPol’s Spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the man was arrested on Monday in Windhoek, during an intelligence-led operation. She said the police intercepted the man and arrested him after he was found in possession of 113, 470 kilograms grams of cannabis (skunk) with an estimated value of N$5,673,500 Shikwambi said the man appeared before the court on Monday and was remanded in custody until 9 November 2023 for the second appearance. Similarly, the police on Monday further…